Wednesday, August 16, 2006

Idaho politics keep on turning

I've been slacking in the department of Idaho politics, but that doesn't mean nothing has been happening during this interesting election year. Luckily, my fellow Idaho bloggers have been keeping at it, so here's a rundown of some of the more interesting posts of late.

In the ID-01 race (remember to vote for Larry Grant this November!), it's been noted by several that Republican nominee Bill Sali has been "suck[ing] up limited Republican resources," with campaign fundraising visits from Dick Cheney and Dennis Hastert. As many have noted, in a state that has been so reliably red in the past, this could signal trouble for Sali. If nothing else, Republicans are diverting resources to a state they would never have had to in the past few election cycles - if we can't beat 'em, we can at least make winning less pleasant. Another blow for the Sali campaign's credibility with the Republican base comes in the form of the Republicans for Grant website, which has been getting blog and MSM coverage. The Republicans for Grant are none too happy with Sali's record, though not all Republicans inclined to vote for Grant are doing it simply to vote against Bill Sali.

In other news, the Idaho Supreme Court has ruled that a petition to erect a monument to the 10 Commandments in a Boise park may be circulated, to much celebration from South Idaho wingnuts. I am proud to say that some Northern Idaho conservatives noticed the obvious about this ruling: it affirmed the process, not the actual goal. You can pass any unconstitutional law you want, but that doesn't mean it won't be struck down. Then again, Idaho seems to have a penchant for expensive, dragged-out, futile court battles to save unconstitutional legislation.